What is the significance of the circumcision ritual or bris milah for Jews?

What will be an ideal response?


Circumcision is the most significant life-cycle ritual in Judaism and probably the one rite universally observed among Jews. Circumcision involves surgically removing the foreskin of the penis. Its common name among Jews is bris milah, Yiddish for "covenant of circumcision," and is usually called "bris" for short.
Circumcision is often perceived by Reform and Conservative Jews to be a hygienic measure. Orthodox Jews disagree and correctly point out that this rationale is not found in the Torah. Instead, circumcision is a religious measure: It is an outward physical sign of the eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people. Circumcision is done not for any health benefits, but because God commands it.
Circumcision is performed on the eighth day of a boy's life. As with most Jewish rituals, circumcision is a joyous, celebrative occasion and is followed by refreshments or more often a festive meal.

Philosophy & Belief

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